Snowboard boot and binding apparatus

ABSTRACT

A binding assembly for attaching a boot to a snowboard, designed in a manner to avoid cavities that can accumulate ice and snow and defeat its operation. The system includes first and second boot mounted bales in the form of rigid loops that extend from each side of the boot soles, and a pair of bindings attached to the snowboard. Each binding has a base including elongated, slotted holes located on the circumference of a circle through which bolts are placed to secure the base to the snowboard with a friction washer therebetween. The elongated holes allow for rotational adjustment of the binding. A hook-shaped structure extends from one side of the base with the hook facing outward. On the opposite side of the base is a camming structure with a downward and outwardly sloping surface ending in a bale-receiving notch. A spring loaded latch is pivotally mounted outboard and above the notch and includes a lever with a generally outwardly protruding handle on one side of the lever pivot axis, and a bale latching portion on the other side of the pivot. By placing the first bale over the hook and then thrusting the second bale downward against the latching portion and into engagement with the camming structure, the first bale is drawn into engagement with the hook as the second bale is guided by the sloping surface into the notch where it is retained by the latch. In order to release the binding, the user simply rotates the latch upward to free the bales.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to boot bindingassemblies, and more particularly to a binding assembly for securingboots to a snow board, including bale elements for attachment to theboots, the elements in turn engageable with a pair of bindings forattachment to the snow board, and the bindings being designed withstructural elements that avoid cavities that can accumulate ice andsnow.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Since the advent of the snowboard, numerous types of bindingshave been invented in order to properly secure a riders boots, but aswill be described in the following, these devices leave some problemsunsolved. The snowboard is an elongated structure with upturns at one orboth ends. It is normally shorter and wider than the more typical snowski conventionally used in pairs. Instead of having the feet bound onseparate skis and pointing forward, they are both bound to a single snowboard and usually face generally towards the sides, although someadjustment of their position is a useful feature. At first glance, theuse of the board appears similar to a small surf board. A significantdifference is that the riders feet are simply placed on a surf boardwhereas the snow board system requires the riders feet to be bound tothe board for maximum maneuverability. Current snow board bindings areof two major categories, for use with soft boots or hard boots. Thechoice of boot type depends on the riding style, with the soft boot usedfor freestyle and freeriding, and hard boots for alpine and racing. Onetype of soft board binding uses two or three straps attached to a platemounted to the snow board. The straps are rapped over the instep of theboot, around the ankle and then fastened together with ratchetingbuckles. This kind of binding causes severe difficulties for a number ofreasons, including the fact that at least one boot must be removed fromits binding whenever the skier needs propulsion on level or uphillconditions, such as when making one's way to a ski lift. In order toemphasize this particular problem, consider a typical scenario. Firstthe rider secures the front foot to the board. In order to do so, onesits in the snow, reaches down to clear snow that has collected in thebinding or on the bottom of the boot, and then opens the now looseseries of straps and puts the boot in the binding. With gloved hands,one has to engage a series of ratcheting mechanical buckles to securethe front boot. Once the front boot is secured the rider is ready toenter the ski lift to the top of the mountain. Arriving at the top, therear boot must be mounted to the board in a similar fashion. When theskier reaches the bottom of the hill, the rear boot is released from thebinding and the process is repeated, over and over again for every run,which can amount to an average of 40 to 50 times in a day.

[0005] The problem of exiting from the bindings is not only a nuisancecompounded by the cold and clumsiness of gloved hands, but it is alsodangerous. During the 1992-1993 season it was reported in the Tahoe areathat two snowboarders died from suffocation in the heavy powder. In manysuch emergency situations it is extremely important to be able toquickly exit from the board in order to gain maneuverability. Anadditional problem with the strap type of bindings is that pressure fromthe straps is transferred to the users foot, particularly while ridingthe lift. This pressure over the day causes muscle fatigue and pain.

[0006] Attempts have been made to design “step-in” snow board bindings,examples of which will be described in the following discussion. Aproblem with these attempts is that they consist of complex mechanicalapparatus containing pockets and crevices which accumulate ice and snowin a way that causes operational failure or difficulties.

[0007] The need for ease of entry and quick exit for safety reasons wasdiscussed above. In addition, one might wonder about a possible need forautomatic release from a snow board such as is generally incorporated inthe more conventional two ski apparatus. The answer to this is that withconventional snow skis, the users feet are bound to separate skis oflengthy dimensions. In a fall, the possibilities for entanglement andvarious leverages to the limbs is great. In contrast, both feet arebound to a single relatively short board in the snow board application,a condition that does not contain nearly as much probability of applyingdamaging leverage to a skiers limbs. Also, one might wonder if theprinciples used in conventional snow skies would be applied to snowboard bindings. The answer again, is that the two applications aresignificantly different. For example, the conventional snow ski is usedalong with rigid boots, requiring a different type of binding than thatrequired for use with the soft snow ski boot. Also, the releasemechanisms in conventional snow skis dominate their design and are notuseful with snow boards because the boots on a snow board are mountedgenerally transverse to the board length, a condition that can notgenerate the leverage required to release such a binding.

[0008] From the above discussion, it is clear that one of the designfactors in a successful snow board binding is ease of entry and exit.Other factors include simplicity, low cost and reliability. One exampleof a binding design that addresses the problem of ease of entry and exitis the disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,118 by Pozzobon et al.describing a binding that can be entered with a downward thrust of thefoot. The bottom of the boot has cavities to match upwardly protrudingcaptivating extensions attached to the board, one of which is slidablymounted and spring loaded to allow the binding protrusions to snap inplace in the boot. One disadvantage of this approach is the presence ofthe cavity in the bottom of the boot which must be kept free of snow andice buildup in order to function properly. The binding also has numeroussprings and slidable parts which, if not carefully designed andmanufactured could be susceptible to moisture penetration and jammingdue to ice formation.

[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,443 by Kincheloe there is disclosed abinding composed of a plate mounted to a board having upturnedcaptivating edges forming a socket. A matching mating plate is attachedto the bottom of the boot which the user must then align with the socketand slidably make engagement. The locking mechanism in the socket hasconcealed crevices potentially allowing penetration of moisture whichcould freeze and render the release mechanism inoperable, as well as thejoints between the sliding plate and socket during operation.

[0010] Glaser, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,823 discloses a binding having aplate mounted to the board with a fixed position longitudinally orientedsocket on one side and an oppositely disposed spring loaded slidablesocket on the other side. A plate is attached to the boot in a mannersimilar to Kincheloe with one edge protruding longitudinally from oneside of the boot, and an opposing edge from the other side of the boot.In operation, the user places one edge of the plate in the first socket,and forces the opposing edge downward upon the slidable socket which hasa tapered edge so that when the user forces the edge of the plate dormagainst the tapered edge, the socket moves away until the opposing edgesnaps into the socket. The disadvantage of this design is that snow andice can form inside the sockets of the binding plate, making fullengagement either impossible or difficult. Also, the slidable springloaded socket has a multitude of springs and interconnecting parts,which again raise the probability of moisture penetration which couldfreeze and render the mechanism inoperable.

[0011] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,073 by Raines, a binding is disclosedwhich is similar to the Glaser invention in that a plate is againattached to the boot with protruding edges on either side. The bindingportion attached to the board consists of a separate socket on one side.On the other side, a socket is formed from a spring loaded hinged capmember that snaps into position over the protruding edge of the bootplate when the user forces the boot plate down into position. Adisadvantage of this design is that snow buildup can occur in thesocket, particularly the hinged portion, and defeat proper operation. Inthe event that less than full locking is obtained, the device may appearto be secure but could work loose with upward boot pressure causingunwanted ejection.

[0012] There is clearly a need for a simple binding mechanism involvingfew parts that resists the detrimental build up of snow and ice and inwhich the user can be certain that upon entry, the binding is secure.

[0013] Another problem with snowboard binding systems is the need foradjustable support of the riders foot as indicated by the abovementioned use of either soft or hard boots. No current method or bootsystem exists that will allow a skier to adjust the degree of support tohis foot and ankle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide animproved binding for use with snow boards that provides “step-in” easyentry and retains the user on the board until manually disengaged.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a snowboard binding that allows for rapid exit.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide abinding that has few moving parts and is cost effective to manufacture.

[0017] It is a still further object of the present invention to providea binding that is not susceptible to malfunction due to accumulation ofice and snow.

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a snowboard binding that will not release accidently.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide abinding that results in a more uniform distribution of pressure on ausers foot.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus allowing a skier to adjust the amount and angle of support tohis feet.

[0021] A still further object of the present invention is to provide asecure binding latching mechanism that compensates for binding wear andice and snow buildup under the boots.

[0022] Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includesa binding assembly for attaching a boot to a snow board, designed in amanner to avoid cavities that can accumulate ice and snow and defeat itsoperation. The system includes first and second boot mounted bales inthe form of rigid loops that extend from each side of the boot soles,and a pair of bindings attached to the snow board. Each binding has abase including elongated, slotted holes for rotatably adjustablemounting to a snow board with a friction washer therebetween. Aloop-shaped hooked structure extends from one side of the base with thehook facing outward. On the opposite side of the base is a loop-shapedstructure with upright ends having a downward and outwardly slopingcamming surface ending in a bale-receiving notch. A spring loaded latchis pivotally mounted outboard from and above the notch, and includes alever with a generally outwardly protruding handle on one side of thelever pivot axis, and a bale latching portion on the other side of thepivot. By placing the first bale over the hook and then thrusting thesecond bale downward against the latching portion and into engagementwith the camming structure, the first bale is drawn into engagement withthe hook as the second bale is guided by the sloping surface into thenotch where it is retained by the latch. The bale latching portion has acam shaped surface providing secure latching in spite of ice or snowbuildup or wear. In order to release the binding, the user simplyrotates the latch handle upward, freeing the bales.

[0023] For adjustable support to the skiers foot, the boot and bindingapparatus includes an adjustable boot insert, and a plate or shank onthe bottom inside of the boot, the plate interconnected preferably withthe bale element. The combination of the plate, and the adjustable bootinsert formed around the users foot, gives the skier control over theangle and amount of foot and ankle support.

[0024] An advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to enterwith only a downward movement of the boot, and to exit with a singlemotion of a lever fully under user control.

[0025] A further advantage of the present invention is that due to theloop shaped structures, there are no cavities to accumulate snow and iceto defeat the proper operation of the binding.

[0026] Another advantage of the present invention is its simplicity ofstructure allowing for economical manufacture.

[0027] A further advantage of the present invention is that it resultsin a more uniformly distributed pressure on the users foot, both duringuse and in unweighting conditions such as when riding a chair lift, byeliminating the straps of a conventional binding.

[0028] A still further advantage of the present invention is theprovision of a latch that adjusts for wear and ice and snow buildupunder the boots.

IN THE DRAWING

[0029]FIG. 1 illustrates the use of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention for binding a pair of boots to a snow board;

[0030]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the boot bale and bindingillustrated in FIG. 1;

[0031]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the base and latch subassemblyillustrated in FIG. 2;

[0032] FIGS. 4-7 and 7 a are a series of transverse cross-sectionalviews illustrating various positions of the bale relative to the bindingduring the engagement process;

[0033]FIG. 8 gives detail of the shape of the latch bale engagementsurface;

[0034]FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention including a latch with a spring loaded rod assembly;

[0035]FIGS. 10A and 10B show an alternate embodiment of the latchincluding a pivoted block and handle assembly with the bale positionedfor engagement in FIG. 10A and at full locking engagement in FIG. 10B;

[0036] FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate another embodiment of the latchincluding a notched wheel with a recess for receiving the bale; and

[0037]FIG. 12 is an illustration of a latch including a handle attachedto the base by a spring.

[0038]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a boot equipped with anadjustable foot support and bale element;

[0039]FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a boot with an insert of fixedconfiguration, mounted with a shank and bale element;

[0040]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the insert of FIG. 14;

[0041]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an adjustable, removable footsupport;

[0042]FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are side views of the adjustable footsupport of FIG. 16 adjusted at various angles;

[0043]FIG. 18 is an alternate embodiment of a binding assembly havinginwardly directed hooked shaped members;

[0044]FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C illustrate various stages of engaging abale element with an alternate embodiment of a latch having a frontalrecess, as part of a binding having outwardly directed hooked members;

[0045]FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D and 20E illustrate various stages ofengaging a bale element with an alternate embodiment of a latch having afrontal recess, as part of a binding having inwardly directed hookedmembers;

[0046]FIG. 21 illustrates an alternate bale and boot sole supportapparatus; and

[0047]FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D illustrate a wheel and prong latchwith an inwardly directed hooked member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inuse in FIG. 1 wherein boots 10 and 12 are mounted to snow board 14 byway of binding assemblies 16 and 18. The board 14 as shows has anupturned front end 15 and a tail end 17 that optionally may also byturned upward. The boots 10 and 12 are illustrated in the usualtransverse position to the length of the board. A skier can quickly andeasily release the boots from the bindings by simply pulling upward onthe levers 76, 77. Entering the bindings is done by positioning the bootover the binding and stepping downward, causing it to latch into place,a feature fully described in the following detailed description. As willbe explained in the following, provision is also provided for adjustingthe angle “A” of the boots on the board with toe inward or outward fromthe strict transverse position shown.

[0049]FIG. 2 illustrates the details of a preferred embodiment asincorporated in boot 12 and binding assembly 18. Boot 10 and assembly 16are simply mirror images of the apparatus of FIG. 2 and need not beseparately shown. The binding assembly 18 includes a bale assembly 20and a binding 44. The bale assembly 20 is of approximately rectangularor trapezoidal shape with a front side segment 22 shown somewhat longerthan the rear side segment 24, the front and rear segments beinginterconnected by first and second opposing bale end segments 26 and 28.The length of the front segment 22 relative to the rear segment 24causes bale segments 26 and 28 to angle out from each other somewhat,the purpose being to orient the segments 26 and 28 substantiallyparallel to the sides of the boot sole 30. This orientation is preferredfor space conserving purposes because any additional protrusions fromthe boot can be a nuisance when walking. Other orientations are alsofunctional, such as segments 26 and 28 lying parallel to each other, andare included in the spirit of the invention. The bale assembly 20 asshown is bolted to the sole 30 of the boot 12 by a retaining plate 32secured with bolts 34. The bale assembly 20 is illustrated in positionon the boot 12 by the dashed outline on either side of the boot 12 atpositions 36 and 38. Of particular note are the substantiallyrectangular left and right side bale openings 40 and 42. In thepreferred embodiment, the bale assemblies 20 are constructed with thesegments 26 and 28 having a cylindrical cross section which ensuresmaximum contact with the binding 44, as will become evident in thefollowing detailed description. The rod structure is an efficient shape,structurally allowing a maximum strength to material gauge ratio. Theround cross section is preferred because it is required to make contactwith a camming surface and a latch at various angles as it is thrustinto the binding, a fact that will be fully illustrated in the figuresof the drawing. The bale side segments 22 and 24 perform two importantfunctions, including the creation of a rigid and constant space betweenthe two bale end segments 26 and 28, and providing hold down support forthe boot. Other methods of fabricating a retaining plate, bale, andattachment to the sole 30 will be apparent to those skilled in the art,and are included in the spirit of this invention. One alternative wouldbe an integral molded/cast bale and retaining plate-captivated within amolded boot sole.

[0050] The binding 44 has a base 46 including a frame 48 elevated in thefigure to show a gasket 49 providing a friction interface between theframe 48 and board 14 when bolted together by bolts 104 through holes100 and into tapped holes 102 in the board 14. The frame 48 is shown tohave front and rear upward and outwardly arcing hook-shaped members 52and 54 provided on a first side 56 of base 46 and joined at their topsby a cross bar 58. The hooked members 52 and 54 are configured so as toform bale-receiving recesses 60 and 62. The loop shaped structuresformed by the members 52, 54 and cross bar 58 allow for passage of iceand snow through the opening 59. The surfaces of recesses 60 and 62 aredesigned to be narrow so as to create sufficient pressure against anengaging bale element surface to dislodge any ice or snow depositedthereon. In the preferred embodiment of segments 26, 28, their crosssection is circular, resulting in a minimal contact area between eachsegment 26, 28 and the surfaces 62, 72, a condition resulting in highpressure, causing the segment to efficiently wipe away any ice and snowon the surfaces. On a second side 64 of base 46, approximately oppositethe first side 56, the frame 48 is shown bent upwardly and forming apair of saddle-shaped side members 63, 65, each including an innerupright 66 and an outer upright 68. The inner uprights 66 are joinedtogether at their tops by a cross bar 70 while the outer uprights 68 arejoined at their tops by a pivot shaft or pin 69. The outer edges ofuprights 66 slope outwardly to form camming surfaces 72 leading into thebale-receiving notches 74. Disposed between uprights 68 and pivotallyaffixed thereto by pin 69 is a latch 76.

[0051] The uprights 66, 68, cross bar 70 and shaft 69 form loopstructures similar to the members 52, 54 and cross bar 58, to provide astructure absent of any cavities that can accumulate ice and snow, andthe narrow camming surfaces 72 provide a high pressure in contact withthe bale element 28 to dislodge any ice or snow therefrom.

[0052] The holes 100 are shown in the form of four accurately shapedslots, positioned along a circumference coaxial with a rotational axis“B”, through which bolts 104 are inserted to secure the frame 48 to theboard 14. With the bolts 104 loosened, the frame 48 can be rotated toadjust the orientation angle “A” of the boots 10, 12 as was brieflydescribed in reference to FIG. 1. Although the elongated holes as shownare preferred, the holes 100 could be of any number and of variousshapes including numerous bolt clearance holes in the frame 48 along acircumference coaxial with axis “B”, which would provide for incrementaladjustments.

[0053] The embodiment of the present invention described in the variousfigures presents the preferred construction. It will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that various modifications could be made whichretain the spirit of the invention, which is predominantly the loopshaped structures avoiding cavities that could accumulate ice and snow,and the novel cam latch. These modifications are included in the spiritof the invention. For example, although two upright members 66 andhooked shaped members 52 and 54 are shows, a quantity of one or morecould be used to serve the purpose of guiding the bale segments intonotched recesses, and these variations should be considered as part ofthe present invention.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 3, the latch 76, pin 69 and a spring 88 areshown more clearly in an exploded view. The uprights 68 are joined neartheir tops by the pin 69. The latch 76 and spring 88 are mounted on thepin 69, the spring 88 pretensioned during assembly, functioning to urgethe latch 76 into a position resting on the bale element when engaged inthe notch 74, as well be fully explained in the following description.When the bale elements are removed from the binding, as in FIGS. 2 and3, the cross bar 70 conveniently acts as a stop for the latch 76 restingthereon as shown in FIG. 2. This is an optional feature of the presentinvention. The spring 88 has hooked ends 90 retained in spring retainingslots 99, and a lever portion 94 bearing against the bottom 96 of thelatch 76 in groove 98 when assembled.

[0055]FIG. 3 also shows the loop shaped structure of cross bar 70 anduprights 66 more clearly, which provide the novel feature of an absenceof snow collecting cavities, allowing ice and snow to move freelythrough the opening 99 under the cross bar 70, and axle 69 and latch 76.

[0056] The figure additionally shows the frame 48 bolted to the board 14with the friction washer 49 sandwiched therebetween.

[0057] FIGS. 4-7 give further detail of the latch 76 and its operationin securing the boot in the binding 44. In general, FIGS. 4-7 illustratethe functional importance of the surfaces 72 in guiding the bale segment28 downward and outward, guiding its lateral motion so as to allow thebale segment 26 to first rest on surface 122 laterally outside of thehook 52 and cross bar 58, and as the bale segment 28 is forced downward,it is guided first by surface 110 of the latch 76 and then by surfaceedges 72 laterally outward in a controlled manner, pulling the segment26 into the hook 52. In further detail now, FIG. 4 shows that the latch76 has an extension 108 with a trough shaped upper surface 110 and abale-engaging or latching surface 112. The surface 112 has a compoundcurvature with a first portion 114 dimensioned at a radius R1 from therotational axis 116 of the latch 76 defined by the center of the pin 69.The distance R2 to the cross bar is dimensioned somewhat greater thanthe radius R1 from the axis 116, allowing the extension 108 to moveupward and partially past the cross bar 70. The surface 112 has a secondportion 118 having a radius R3 from axis 116, R3 being greater than R1.The dimensioning of R2 is further defined so that as the extension 108is rotated upward, the surface of the lower portion 118 interferes withand rests upon the surface of the cross bar 70, stopping rotation oflatch 76 under influence of spring 88. This feature of stopping thelatch rotation on the bar 70 is a convenience feature, functioning whenthe bale segment 28 is removed as shown in FIG. 4. The critical functionof the novel dimensioning of the camming surface 112, including theselection of R1 and R3, is for locking the bale segment 28 in the notch74, as will be explained more filly in the following descriptions. Thebale-receiving notch 74 is dimensioned relative to the axis 116 so thatwhen the bale segment 28 is lodged in the notch 74, the second portion118 of surface 112 is in engagement with the segment 98, locking it inplace. Due to the progressively increasing radius of the surface 112from the axis 116 from R1 to R3, the surface 112 will wedge against theelement 28 even if the bale segment 28 is displaced in the notch as aresult of ice or snow under the boot or in the notch 74, or in the eventof dimensional variations caused by manufacturing tolerances or wear.This important feature will be more fully shown in the following figuresof the drawing. As illustrated, the latch 76 also has a handle or leverextension 120 by which a user may rotate the latch counter-clockwise asdepicted in FIGS. 4-7 to release the bale segment 28 from the notch 74.

[0058]FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate in sequence how the first andsecond end segments 26 and 28 are engaged and retained by the binding44. For reference, the bale-shaped dashed lines in each of FIGS. 5-7 areincluded as indications of the position of the bale position displayedin each preceding figure. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the end segment 26is first placed over the cross bar 58 connected to hook member 52through opening 42, and lowered into engagement with the surface 122 asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5, moving from a first portion as indicated bydashed lines at 117 to a second portion at 119. The boot 12 and balesegment 28 are then rotated in the clockwise direction so that thesegment 28 engages surface 110 of latch 76, rotating itcounter-clockwise from a position indicated by dashed lines at 121 to asecond portion at 123, and to engage cam surface 72. Surface 110 istrough-shaped in the preferred embodiment, which configuration tends totemporarily guide the bale segment 28, keeping it from slipping off tothe left of bar 70, and also aiding in transferring the downward thrustof the bale segment 28 to rotational movement of the latch 76.

[0059] As segment 28 moves downward and outward as shown in FIG. 6 froma position 125 indicated by the dashed lines to a position 127, the camsurface 72 causes the bale to be drawn rightwardly as indicated by arrow132, so that segment 26 is pulled from position 134 to position 136 intohooked engagement with hook members 52, 54. Note that as segment 28moves down the surface 72, it also moves past the tip 138 of latch 76 asthe latch is rotated out of the way from a first position at 131 to asecond position at 133.

[0060] In FIG. 7, end segment 28 has slipped by the latch tip 138 fromposition 135 indicated by dashed lines to position 137, and end segments26 and 28 are shown fully engaged with the binding 44. In this positionsegment 28 rests fully in the notch 74, and segment 26 is pulled fullyinto the hooked recess 60. Note that when segment 28 passes the tip 138,the latch moves from position 139 to 141, rotated by spring 88 into itslatching position with surface 118 engaging the top of end segment 28.In this position the bale is fully captivated in the binding 44. Anytendency toward upward motion of the segment 26 is resisted by thehooked members 52, 54, and any tendency toward upward motion of thesegment 28 is resisted by the latch 76. The location of the axis 116above and slightly outward from the notch 74 is an important designparameter in securing the segment 28. In this position at 141, anyupward force on the second segment 28 will exert a force componentagainst the surface 112 primarily towards the axis 116 which does nottend to rotate the latch 76. Due to the axis being slightly outward fromthe notch 74, a minor component of force is also exerted tangentially tothe surface 112 tending to rotate the latch clockwise, but due to theprogressive increase in the distance of the camming surface 112 from theaxis 116 as above described, such motion causes the segment to be morefirmly compressed between the surface 112 and notch 74 due to theportion of surface 112 with increased radius being forced into contactwith the segment 28. Also, the shape of the opening 143 between thesurface 112 and surface 72 resists movement of the segment 28. FIG. 7also shows that if the latch is held in position 139, there is a gap 123between the segment 28 and surface 112 when the segment is fully engagedin the notch 74. This again is a result of the camming shape of surface112, and makes it possible for the latch 76 to adjust for variations inthe resting portion of the segment 28 in its notch, allowing it tofirmly secure the segment 28 even if there is snow or ice under the bootsuch as at 125 holding it up from the frame 48, or ice in the notch 74holding the segment up. If the ice or snow compresses after initiallatching, the latch will automatically rotate clockwise due to spring 88forcing the surface 112 to maintain contact with the segment 28. Thisfeature is perhaps more clearly shown in FIG. 7a which shows the bindingin a position with a slight gap 127 between the segment 28 and thebottom of the notch 74.

[0061]FIG. 8 gives a more detailed description of a preferred contourfor the cam latch surface 112 showing the upper surface 114 having amuch longer radius of curvature than the lover surface 118. Each of themultiplicity of line lengths 145 represents the radius of the surface112 at the point intersected by the line. It should be noted that thisinformation on the surface 112 curvature is in addition to thedescription above in relation to FIG. 4 which details the surface 112position relative to the axis 116.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 9 of the drawing, there is shown analternate form of latch apparatus 140 for captivating the end segment 28(not shown) within the notch 74. This embodiment includes a block 142shown in cross-section with bore or other passageway 144 passingtherethrough. The block has a bracket 146 extending outward therefromupon which a lever 148 is hinged and urged by a spring 150 to rotate inthe direction indicated by the arrow 152. The lever 148 has a first end154 serving as a handle to enable the user to release the latch, and asecond end 156 hinged to a latching pin or bar 158 having a tapered end160 upon which end segment 28 (not shown) may bear against during, theprocess of engaging the bale with the binding as the end segment 28moves in a downward direction as indicated by arrow 162, urging the pin158 rightwardly against the force of the spring 150, and camming alongthe surface 130 to the rest position 164 in the notch 165. Thisembodiment may also include the addition of an optional bale-guidingmember 166 which would serve to assist in the initial registration ofthe bale with the binding 44. Other latch configurations for capturingthe bale within the notch 165 will no doubt also be apparent to thosewho are skilled in the art, after having read this disclosure, and areincluded as within the spirit of the present invention.

[0063] Other alternate embodiments of latching mechanisms are shown inFIGS. 10-12. FIGS. 10A and 10B show a binding with an outwardly hookedmember 170 for receiving the bale end segment 26. Opposite the hookedmember 170 there is a saddle shaped extension 172 extending upward froma base plate 174. The general structure of the hooked member 170, baseplate 174 and member 172 is similar to that of FIGS. 2-7, the hookedmember 170 and saddle shaped extension 172 each being one of a pairmounted on or formed from the base or frame 174 and joined together bycross bars 176 and 178. For simplicity of depiction, only a planar sideview is shown. In a similar manner to the apparatus of FIGS. 2-7, thereis a downward and outwardly sloping surface 180 to guide segment 28 andcause segment 26 once contacting surface 204 to be pulled into thehooked recess 182 of hook 170.

[0064] The latching mechanism includes a captivation block 184 pivotablymounted on pin 186 to a support plate 187, with a semicircular recess188. A handle 190 is pivotably mounted on pin 192 at a first end to oneside of block 184 at a distance from the pin 186. The handle is alsopivotably joined to the plate 187 by a doubly pivoted member 194 havinga first end 196 joined to the handle 190 by pin 198 and a second end 200pivotably joined to the plate 187 by pin 202. Once the segment is in thelatched portion as shown in FIG. 10B, the handle 190 is restrained byspring 203 from moving up to the release position of FIG. 10A.

[0065]FIG. 10A shows the block 184 rotated by handle 190, placing recess188 upward in a position to accept segment 28 therein. A downwardmovement of the segment 26 places it in contact with surface 204, and asimilar downward thrust of segment 28 causes it to be guided by surface206 into recess 188, causing the rotation of block 184 counter clockwiseas viewed in FIG. 10, which rotation moves handle 190 and member 194into the position as shown in FIG. 10B, being locked into position inthat an upward thrust on segment 28 is resisted by the orientation ofthe handle 190 and member 194.

[0066] The apparatus of FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C illustrates anotherlatching mechanism. As in FIG. 10, there is a pair of hooked members 170extending from a base plate 174 joined by a cross bar 176, and opposingsaddle shaped extensions 210 joined by a cross bar 178, the extensions210 having downward and outwardly extending surfaces 212 for guiding thesecond bale segment 28. The latch consists of a circular member 214mounted on axle 216 to a support plate extending from the base 174 butnot shown. The circular member has a semicircular cut out 218 forengaging the segment 28, and has a number of locking indents 220 whichcause the member 214 to be captivated from moving in a clockwisedirection when the prong 222 of a pivotably mounted handle 224 is lodgedtherein. The handle is pivotably mounted to support 226 by pin 228. Aspring 229, similar to spring 88 of FIG. 3 is mounted to handle 224 andaxle 228 to urge the prong 222 into the recesses 220. FIGS. 11B and 11Cshow the bale segments 26, 28 and circular member 214 in an intermediateposition and a final locked-in position respectively.

[0067]FIG. 12 shows a latching mechanism, again working with a saddleshaped member 230 extending up from a base 234 and having a downward andoutwardly sloping surface 232. The base 234 has a stop extension 236 forrestricting the movement of a resilient, primary spring member 238upwardly curving from the base 234. A handle 240 is bolted to the member238 and has an upward and outwardly lying surface 242 forming a wedgeshaped opening 244 between the surface 242 and surface 232 for capturingand guiding segment 28 down along the surface 232 until it reaches thebottom 246 of the handle 240, at which point the resilient primaryspring 238 snaps back over the segment 28 capturing it in position insemi-circular groove 248. The segment rests on a secondary spring 250attached to the base and configured for urging the segment upwardagainst the groove 248.

[0068]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a boot 12 equipped with anadjustable insert 266, and a shank plate 260 positioned on the inside soas to give rigidity to the sole 30.

[0069] The plate 260 has tapped holes 262, or alternately tapped lugsattached (not shown), into which bolts 34 are secured, passing throughclearance holes 264 in retaining plate 32 and corresponding holes (notshown) in the boot sole 30, for rigidly compressing the bale 28, plate32 and plate 260 to the sole 30.

[0070] The adjustable insert 266, includes an insert body 268 and insertriser 270, held together by means not shown in FIG. 13, but which willbe fully described in the following figures of the drawing.

[0071] With a skier's foot secured in the boot 12 by boot buckles orlaces, etc. (not shown), the insert 266, plate 260 and boot 12 combineto give rigid support to the skier's foot and ankle. The benefit is thatwhen the skier leans forward, pressure is applied to the toe end 272 ina downward direction 274, and the heel end 276 tends to rise (direction278). Similarly, when leaning backward, the toe rises and heel ispressured downward. Referring back to FIG. 1, it can be seen that thesemotions would apply pressure to one or the other of the edges of thesnowboard. The advantage of the rigid support to the foot and ankle isthat the skier does not have to use his leg and foot muscles to hold theankle rigid relative to the toes in order to shift the pressureeffectively from toe to heel. The removable insert 266 further allowsthe snowboard skier the choice of hard boot or soft boot performance,simply by removing or installing the insert 266. Alternatively, if thesole 30 is already fairly rigid, the system will function as abovedescribed without the plate 260, i.e., with the boot and bindingassembly of FIG. 2 with the insert 266.

[0072] The angle between the bottom of a skier's foot and leg or ankleis another variable that the skier has a need to adjust according to hisor her preference. This feature is provided by the two piece insert 266,the riser part 270 positionable relative to the body 268. The riser 270is attached to the body 268 by any of various means well known to thoseskilled in the art of securing plates or fabrics together. The preferredembodiment uses semi-permanent, detachable adhesive type materials suchas the product VELCRO, the position of which will be fully described inthe following figures of the drawing.

[0073]FIG. 14 gives further detail of the interconnection of plate 260to plate 32. Tapped lugs 280 are shown attached to the plate 260, forreceiving bolts 34 through holes 282 in the sole 30. Although bolts 34and tapped lugs 280 are shown, there are many other ways of securing theplate 260 and bale assembly to the sole and/or to each other known tothose skilled in the art, and these are to be included in the spirit ofthe invention. The interconnection can be either permanent ornon-permanent. A permanent assembly of plate 260 to sole 30 would applymost appropriately with the use of the adjustable insert 266 or anon-adjustable insert placed on top of the plate 260. A non-permanentassembly as specifically-detailed in FIG. 14 would be most useful withan insert as shown, the bottom of which is sandwiched between the plate260 and sole 30.

[0074] The alternate embodiment with the insert 284 sandwiched betweenthe plate 260 and sole 30 gives a greater rigidity to the system, at theexpense of ease of user modification of the insert support structure.The invention includes both the easily removable insert 266, and theless easily removable or permanent type of insert 284.

[0075] The non-adjustable insert 284 is shown in perspective view inFIG. 15. The dashed lines 286 indicate that the shape of the insert canbe of various forms. A skier could purchase a number of differentinserts which he could select from and install according to hisparticular requirement.

[0076]FIG. 16 shows a more detailed view of the adjustable insert 266.The body portion 268 has first and second sides 271 and 273, and a backportion 275. Two adhesive elements 290 and 292 are shown, one attachedto each of the two sides of the body 268. The insert riser 270 is shownto have corresponding pads 294 and 296 located on the two opposinginside surfaces. The dotted lines 298 indicate the insert riser 270attached to the body 268 with pads 296 and 294 in adhesive contact withpads 290 and 292.

[0077] The body 268 has an optional cutout 297, allowing for moreflexibility in the positioning of the riser insert 270, and allowing askier's heel to project through.

[0078] Various positions of the adjustable insert are illustrated inFIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C, showing a nearly upright position at an angleof 85° between the plane of the boot sole and the axis of the skier'sleg in FIG. 17A to a substantial forward lean at 70° in FIG. 17C. Theinvention, of course, is not limited to this range of adjustment. Theadhesive pads 290, 292, 294 and 296 shown in FIG. 16 are symbolicallyrepresented by the single-rectangle 300. In practice the pads 290 and292 will not usually be in complete alignment with the pads 294 and 296,the position being dependant on the location of the riser insert 270relative to the body 268, indicated by the distance “A” between the topof the body 268 to the top of the riser 270.

[0079]FIG. 18 shows a binding 301 illustrating alternate latch 302 andframe 304 embodiments. The latch 302 is not limited in application tothe frame 304 of FIG. 18, but can also be used instead of latch 76 onthe binding 44 of FIG. 2. There is a latching surface 306 on latch 302,similar to the surface 112 of latch 76 illustrated in FIG. 4. Latch 302also has a handle 308, and a trough shaped upper surface 310, butdiffers functionally from latch 76 in having a trough shaped recess 312in an upper first portion 314 of the latching surface 306. A lowersecond portion 316 has a shape similar to the second portion 118 oflatch 76 described in detail in FIG. 8. The purpose of the recess 312 isto provide a more secure bale element captivation in the event of alarge amount of snow or ice buildup on the frame. This will be fullyexplained in the description of the following figures of the drawing.

[0080] The latch 302 is shown mounted on cross bar 318 attached to twoupright members 322, located on one side of the frame 304 for supportingthe latch 302 above platform 324 of frame 304. Springs 320 interconnectthe latch 302 to the upright members 322 to urge the latch 302 in aclockwise direction.

[0081] On an opposite side of the frame 304, there are shown twoinwardly directed hook shaped members 326 forming inwardly directed balereceiving recesses 328. A narrow edge 329 adds support to the frame 304and serves as a high pressure bearing surface for the bale segments.

[0082] The frame 304 can be mounted to a snowboard by various means.FIG. 18 illustrates one such method. There is a large circular opening330 in the frame 304. A cap plate 331 is configured to fit over the hole330 and clamp the edge 333 of the frame with edge 335 of the cap plate331, when bolts (not shown) are inserted through holes 337 and into asnow board. The edge 339 is drawn to illustrate a circular protrusion ofthe cap plate 331 dimensioned for a close fit in hole 330 to providelateral captivation of the frame 304. As in FIG. 2, a friction layersimilar to item 49 made of rubber of other appropriate material can beplaced and clamped between the frame 304 and snow board.

[0083] The operation of the binding 301 and latch 302 will be fullyexplained in the description of FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E.

[0084] The latch 76 of FIG. 2 would be functionally the same as latch302 if a recess similar to recess 312 were included. This configurationis illustrated in FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C which display the samecomponents as in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 7A, except for an alternate latch338 having a recess 332 in the first portion 334 of surface 336. FIG.19A shows the second bale-end segment 28 in a position where it hasalready depressed the latch 338 somewhat, and is about to pass by thetip 340. FIG. 19B shows the segment 28, having passed by the tip 340,allowing the latch 338 to rotate somewhat counter-clockwise to the pointwhere the segment 28 is positioned in the recess 332. This is a secureposition for the segment 28, and leaves allowance for a large amount ofice or snow build-up at 340. Any upward thrust of segment 28 will rotatethe latch 338 clockwise, and cause the lower portion 342 of the recess332 and/or a second, lower portion 343 of surface 336 to jam against thesegment 28, forcing it against the camming surface 72 and resistingupward motion. As the ice and snow at 340 is compressed and forced outby the high pressure caused by the skier's weight and the narrow cammingsurface 72, the segment 28 will move downward into the bale-receivingnotch 74 as shown in FIG. 19C. At the same time as the bale segment 28moves downward, the latch will be allowed to rotate furthercounter-clockwise, resulting in the second portion 343 moving over thesegment 28. At this point the forces on the bale segment 28 are the sameas those described in relation to FIG's 7 and 7A. The contour of thesecond portion 343 is operationally similar to that of the secondportion 118 of FIG. 8.

[0085]FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E show how a bale assembly 350 isengaged with the binding 301. As the skier's foot (not show) forces thebale assembly 350 downward, the first end segment 352 is placed on andguided inward by an inwardly sloping edge 354 of the hooked extension326. The second end segment 356 is placed on the trough-shaped uppersurface 310 of the latch 302.

[0086] In FIG. 20B, the first end segment 352 is shown lying on the rim329 of the frame 304, in position for moving into the bale-receivingrecess 328.

[0087]FIG. 20C shows the first end segment 352 in the recess 328, theforce of the skier's weight having pressed the second end segment 356against the surface 310 rotating the latch 302 counter-clockwise and thesegment 356 downward.

[0088] In FIG. 20D, the second segment 356 has moved past the tip 360and is lodged in the recess 312. At this point, the segment 356 isrestrained from moving back upward because such motion tends to rotatethe latch clockwise, which causes the surface 316 or lower portion 362of the recess 312 to move forcefully against the segment 356, forcingthe first segment 352 against the hooked member 326, restrainingmovement in that direction. The surfaces of recess 312 and portion 316are designed for contact with segment 356 to occur above the axis orcenter of the segment 356, therefore resisting upward movement. Therecess 312 and rim 329 are preferably dimensioned so as to allow a gap364 for a significant amount of ice or snow build-up. The skier's weightin combination with the narrow rim 329 then causes high pressure betweenthe segments 352, 356 and the rim 329, crushing the ice and snow,causing segment 356 to move down further, the latch 32 finally beingurged by spring 320 to move clockwise, positioning the surface 316against the segment 356. This is shown in FIG. 20E. The principles ofretainment at this stage are similar to those as discussed fully inrelation to the latch 76. The forces of retainment in FIG. 20E differfrom those explained in the description of FIGS. 7, 7A and 19C in thatthe retaining pressure from the latch to segment 356 is transferred tothe hooked member 326 in the embodiment of FIG. 20B, whereas in FIGS. 7,7A and 19C the pressure is transferred to the camming surface 72.

[0089] Although the latch 302 and frame 304 binding combination wasdescribed in detail above, the invention also includes the use of theother latches described in this specification with a frame havinginwardly directed hooked members 326 as well as outwardly directedhooked members. Specifically, the latches include latch 76 of FIGS. 2through 8, and the latches described in FIGS. 9, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B,11C, and 12. In addition, the invention includes other latch mechanismsin combination with the inwardly or outwardly directed hooked members.Other modifications in structure are also included, such as a cross baradded for support between the hooked members 326. Similarly, the bindingas described in FIGS. 2 through 7A would be functional without the crossbars 58 and 70, and this modification is included in the spirit of theinvention. Also, any number of hooked members, upright members andcamming surfaces, such as items 54, 66, and 68 can be used. Theobjective of providing a binding with a lack of cavities to collect iceand snow, and to provide high pressure bearing surfaces, as described inthis specification can be achieved with such modifications, and they areincluded in the spirit of the invention.

[0090]FIG. 21 shows an alternative construction of the present inventionincluding a contoured, closed loop bar 370 that serves the function ofboth the bale assembly 20 of FIG. 2, and the shank plate 260. The bar370 stiffens the boot 372 sole 374, and has segments 376 and 378, whichperform the function as explained with regard to end segments 26 and 28of FIG. 2.

[0091] Front and rear sections 380 and 382 extend within the sole 376toward the boot toe end 386 and heel end 388. The boot as shown in FIG.21 uses side extensions 390 of the sole 374 to define the openings 392and 394. Alternatively, the sections 396 and 398 of the loop 370,extending into the boot could be relied upon to give end definition tothe openings 392 and 394, in a similar manner to the bale assembly ofFIG. 9. The sole 374 and bar 370 assembly of FIG. 21 can be fabricatedusing molding techniques well known in the art. The boot assembly ofFIG. 21 is usable with all of the bindings and inserts described above.The embodiment shown in FIG. 21 is by way of example to show anintegrated sole stiffener and bale assembly. Other methods ofmanufacture are also included in the spirit of the invention. Forexample, the stiffener portions of the loop 370 could be replaced by aplate molded into the sole, or it could be a grid of bars or aperforated plate, in each case integrally joined with extensions thatconnect with the end segments.

[0092]FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D show an alternate embodiment using aninwardly directed hooked member 400 with a latch 402 similar to thelatch shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C. In FIG. 27A, the first endsegment is placed on a ledge 404 and the second end segment is placed inthe recess 406. Downward pressure on the bale assembly 350 causes thesecond end segment to rotate the wheel 408 counter clockwise, alsomoving the second bale element down and toward the hooked member 400.The motion of second end segment 356 is transferred to first end segment352, moving it into the recess 410. The motion progresses as displayedin FIGS. 2B and 2C until the second end segment moves fully downward,limited by a rail (not shown) on the base 412. In this position, asshown in FIG. 22D, the first end segment is fully captivated by therecess 410, and the second end segment by recess 406. Upward motion isrestrained by the locking indents 414 in engagement with a prong 416 ofspring loaded lever 418. To release the bale assembly, it is merelynecessary to push down on the handle 420, releasing the prong 416 fromthe indents 414.

[0093] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has beendescribed above, it will be appreciated that certain alterations andmodifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Itis therefore intended that the appended claims be interpreted ascovering all such alterations and modifications as fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A binding assembly for securing a boot to a snowboard comprising: a bale means including first bale means for attachmentto the sole of said boot and extending laterally from a first sidethereof; second bale means for attachment to the sole of said boot andextending laterally from a second side thereof opposite said first side;binding means for engagement said bale means including base means forattachment to said snow board; loop shaped hook means attached to oneside of said base means and directed outwardly from said base means forcaptivating engagement of said first bale means; loop shaped cammingmeans attached to an opposite side of said base means and spaced apredetermined distance away from said hook means, having side meansincluding one or more upright sides, each having an outwardly facingcamming surface and a bale-receiving notch, said camming surface beingengageable by said second bale means and operative to cause said firstbale means to be drawn into engagement with said hook means and to guidesaid second bale means into said bale-receiving notch; and latch meansfor releasably securing said second bale means in said bale receivingnotch.
 2. A binding assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said firstbale means includes a first end segment of circular cross sectionpositioned outboard from and substantially parallel to said first sideof said boot; and said second bale means includes a second end segmentof circular cross section positioned outboard from and substantiallyparallel to said second side of said boot.
 3. A binding assembly asrecited in claim 1 wherein said bale means further includes a four-sidedframe having said first and second end segments interconnected by firstand second side segments, and a plate attached to a central portionthereof for facilitating attachment to said boot, the portions of saidframe outside said plate forming generally rectangular loops comprisingsaid first and second bale means.
 4. A binding assembly as recited inclaim 1 wherein said first and second bale means are formed as anintegral unit with means for attachment to said sole of said boot.
 5. Abinding assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said latch means includesa latch element pivotally mounted to rotate about a pivot axis between alatching position and an unlatching position, and having bale engagementmeans extending away from said pivot axis and having a cam shapedbale-engaging surface including an upper first portion spaced a firstdistance from said pivot axis and a second lower portion spaced a seconddistance greater than said first distance from said pivot axis; handlemeans extending away from said pivot axis for use in rotating said baleengagement means about said pivot axis and into said unlatching positionfor releasing said second bale means; and spring means for biasing saidlatch element about said pivot axis and toward said latching position;and pivot support means for pivotally mounting said latch element, saidpivot axis located above said bale receiving notches a third distancefrom the bottom of said notch, said third distances dimensioned so thatsaid first portion and said second portion are positioned such that whensaid second bale means is lodged in said bale-receiving notch, saidlatch element is rotatable by said spring means into said latchingposition said cam shaped bale-engaging surface contacting said secondbale means and retaining said second bale means in said notch.
 6. Abinding assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said loop shaped hookmeans includes a first hook member extending upward and laterallyoutward from said base means; a second hook member spaced from saidfirst hook member and extending upward and laterally outward from saidbase means; and first cross bar means connecting said first hook memberwith said second hook member, said first hook member, said second hookmember and said first cross bar forming a loop shaped hooked structureadapted to pass through the rectangular loop of said first bale means,whereby ice and snow can pass through said loop shaped hook means.
 7. Abinding assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said side means includesa first side extending upwardly from said base means to terminate in afirst distal extremity and having a first camming edge beginning at saidfirst distal extremity and sloping downward towards said base means andlaterally outward away from said hook means and terminating in a firstbale-receiving notch; a second side spaced from said first side andextending upwardly from said base means to terminate in a second distalextremity and having a second camming edge beginning at said seconddistal extremity and sloping downward towards said base means andlaterally outward away from said hook means and terminating in a secondbale-receiving notch; and second cross bar means connecting said firstdistal extremity to said second distal extremity, and said first side,said second side and said second cross bar means being adapted to passthrough the rectangular loop of said second bale means; and whereby saidloop shaped camming means is configured to allow ice and snow to passunder said second cross bar.
 8. A binding assembly as recited in claim 1wherein said base means includes a base plate having a plurality ofholes therein for inserting bolts therethrough for securing said baseplate to a snow board.
 9. A binding assembly as recited in claim 8wherein said holes are arranged on a circumference of a circle so as toallow said base plate to be positioned at various angles relative tosaid snow board.
 10. A binding assembly as recited in claim 9 whereinsaid holes are arcuately shaped slots along said circumference of saidcircle so as to allow a range of continuous adjustment over the lengthof said slots.
 11. A binding assembly as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising means extending from said base means and positioned outboardfrom said loop shaped hook means for guiding said first bale means to aposition for engagement with said loop shaped hook means.
 12. A bindingassembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said bale engagement meansfurther includes an upwardly facing trough-shaped surface for engagementwith said second bale means to guide said second bale means toward saidcamming surface and to rotate said latch element.
 13. A binding,assembly for securing a boot to a snow board comprising: a bale meansincluding first bale means for attachment to the sole of said boot andextending, laterally from a first side thereof; second bale means forattachment to the sole of said boot and extending laterally from asecond side thereof opposite said first side; binding means forengagement with said bale means including base means for attachment tosaid snow board; loop shaped hook means attached to one side of saidbase means and directed outwardly from said base means for captivatingengagement of said first bale means; loop shaped camming means attachedto an opposite side of said base means and spaced a predetermineddistance away from said hook means, having side means including one ormore sides, each forming an outwardly facing camming surface, saidcamming surface being engageable by said second bale means and operativeto cause said first bale means to be dragon into engagement with saidhook means; and latch means for releasably securing said second balemeans.
 14. A binding assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said latchmeans includes support means extending upward from said base means;hinged member means having first and second member ends pivotablymounted to said support means at said first member end; handle meanshaving first and second handle ends and pivotably mounted to said secondmember end at a position between said first and second handle ends;captivation block means having an outer surface with a recess thereinfor engaging said second bale means, and said block means beingpivotably mounted at a first pivot point to said support means, andbeing pivotably mounted at a second pivot point displaced from saidfirst pivot point to said second end of said handle means; said latchmeans positioned laterally outward from said camming surface so thatwhen said first end of said handle means is rotated upward, said recessis rotated upward above said camming surface allowing the removal ofsaid second bale means, and when said handle means is rotated downwardtowards said base means to a latched position, said recess is rotateddownward, placing and securing said second bale means against saidcamming surface; and first spring means for urging said first end ofsaid handle means downward towards said latched position.
 15. A bindingassembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said latch means includessupport means extending upward from said base means and positionedlaterally outward from said loop shaped camming means; wheel meansrotatably mounted to said support means and having an outer diameterwith a recess formed therein for receiving said second bale means, andhaving a plurality of prong receiving notches formed in from said outerdiameter; handle means having first and second ends and pivotablymounted to said support means between said first and second ends, andhaving a prong on said first end, said first end and said prongdimensioned for engaging said prong receiving notches; spring means forurging said handle means to force said prong into one of said notches;and wherein said wheel is rotatable to place said recess above saidcamming means for receiving said second bale means, and as said secondbale means within said recess is thrust downward, said wheel is rotatedand said recess moves downward placing and captivating said second balemeans against said camming surface, and when said handle means isrotated to remove said prong from one of said notches, an upward thruston said bale means will rotate said wheel so as to move said recessupward and above said camming means for removal of said second balemeans.
 16. A binding assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said latchmeans includes handle means having first and second ends, said secondend having a downward facing bale receiving notch; first spring meansattached to said base means and to said handle means for resilientlyurging and placing said handle means adjacent said camming surface withsaid second end facing downward and in close proximity to said cammingsurface, and said handle means positioned by said first spring means soas to form a V shaped space between said camming means and said handlemeans for guiding said second bale means therebetween, and configured sothat as said second bale means is thrust downward in said V shapedspace, it moves past said second end, whereupon said first spring meansurges said handle means over said second bale means; second spring meansfor upwardly urging said second bale means into said recess; and whereinwhen said handle means is moved outward from said upright means, saidsecond bale means can be moved upward out of said binding means.
 17. Abinding assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said base means includesa base plate hating a plurality of holes therein for inserting boltstherethrough for securing said base plate to a snow board.
 18. A bindingassembly as recited in claim 17 wherein said holes are arranged on acircumference of a circle so as to allow said base plate to bepositioned at various angles relative to said snow board.
 19. A bindingassembly as recited in claim 14 wherein said base means includes a baseplate having a plurality of holes therein for inserting boltstherethrough for securing said base plate to a snow board.
 20. A bindingassembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said holes are arranged on acircumference of a circle so as to allow said base plate to bepositioned at various angles relative to said snow board.
 21. A bindingassembly as recited in claim 15 wherein said base means includes a baseplate having a plurality of holes therein for inserting boltstherethrough for securing said base plate to a snow board.
 22. A bindingassembly as recited in claim 21 wherein said holes are arranged on acircumference of a circle so as to allow said base plate to bepositioned at various angles relative to said snow board.
 23. A bindingassembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising: frictional layermeans positioned between said base means and said snow board forresisting rotational movement of said base means relative to said snowboard.
 24. A binding assembly for binding a boot with a sole to a snow,board, said assembly comprising: (a) a bale means including (i) firstbale means for attachment to the sole of said boot and extendinglaterally from a first side thereof; (ii) second bale means forattachment to the sole of said boot and extending laterally from asecond side thereof opposite said first side; (b) binding means forengagement of said bale means including (i) base means for attachment tosaid snow board and for providing a narrow bearing surface against whichsaid bale means is secured; (ii) hook shaped means attached to one sideof said base means and directed inwardly and having a narrow edgeproviding a high pressure contact for captivating engagement of saidfirst bale means; and (iii) latch means for releasably securing saidsecond bale means against said narrow bearing surface of said basemeans.
 25. A binding assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein (a) saidfirst bale means includes a first end segment of circular cross sectionpositioned outboard from and substantially parallel to said first sideof said boot, said first bale means forming a loop shaped structure withsaid boot; and (b) said second bale means includes a second end segmentof circular cross section positioned outboard from and substantiallyparallel to said second side of said boot, said second bale meansforming a loop shaped structure with said boot.
 26. A binding assemblyas recited in claim 25 wherein said bale means further includes afour-sided frame having said first and second end segmentsinterconnected by first and second side segments, and said bale meansincluding a plate supporting a central portion thereof for facilitatingattachment to said boot, portions of said frame outside said plateforming said loop shaped structures.
 27. A binding assembly as recitedin claim 24 wherein said first and second bale means are formed as anintegral unit with means for attachment to said sole of said boot.
 28. Abinding assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein said latch meansincludes (a) a latch element pivotally mounted to rotate about a pivotaxis between a latching position for securing said second bale means andan unlatching position for releasing said second bale means, and having(i) bale engagement means extending away from said pivot axis and havinga cam shaped bale-engaging surface including an upper first portionhaving a maximum first distance from said pivot axis and a second lowerportion having a maximum second distance from said pivot axis ofmagnitude greater than said first distance from said pivot axis, saidsurface following a predetermined contour; (ii) handle means extendingaway from said pivot axis for use in rotating said bale engagement meansabout said pivot axis and into said unlatching position; and (b) springmeans for biasing said latch element about said pivot axis and towardsaid latching position; and (c) pivot support means for pivotallymounting said latch element at said pivot axis located so that saidfirst portion and said second portion are positioned relative to saidpivot axis such that when said second bale means is positioned againstsaid narrow bearing surface, said latch element is rotatable by saidspring means into said latching position, said cam shaped bale-engagingsurface contacting said second bale means and retaining said second balemeans against said narrow bearing surface.
 29. A binding assembly asrecited in claim 25 wherein said hook shaped means further includes (a)a first hook member connected to said base means and extending upwardand laterally inward; and (b) a second hook member attached to said basemeans and spaced from said first hook member and extending upward andlaterally inward.
 30. A binding assembly as recited in claim 29 whereinsaid hook shaped means further includes first cross bar means connectingsaid first hook member with said second hook member, said first hookmember, said second hook member and said first cross bar forming a loopshaped hooked structure, whereby ice and snow can pass through said loopshaped hooked structure.
 31. A binding assembly as recited in claim 24wherein said base means includes a base plate having a plurality ofholes therein for inserting bolts therethrough for securing said baseplate to a snow board.
 32. A binding assembly as recited in claim 31wherein said holes are arranged on a circumference of a circle so as toallow said base plate to be positioned at various angles relative tosaid snow board.
 33. A binding assembly as recited in claim 32 whereinsaid holes are arcuately shaped slots along said circumference of saidcircle so as to allow a range of continuous adjustment over the lengthof said slots.
 34. A binding assembly as recited in claim 24 furthercomprising: frictional layer means positioned between said base meansand said snow board for resisting rotational movement of said base meansrelative to said snow board.
 35. A binding assembly as recited in claim28 wherein said cam shaped bale-engaging surface upper first portionincludes a trough shaped recess providing early captivation of saidsecond bale means as said second bale means is approaching said basemeans.
 36. A binding assembly as recited in claim 28 wherein said baleengagement means further includes an upwardly facing trough-shapedsurface located above said first portion of said bale-engaging surfacefor engagement with said second bale means to cause said second balemeans to cause said latch element to be rotated as said second balemeans is lowered towards said base means.
 37. A binding assembly asrecited in claim 24 further comprising boot insert means for placementin said boot and configured so as to support a riders ankle relative tosaid sole of said boot.
 38. A binding assembly as recited in claim 37wherein said boot insert means includes (a) a body portion having firstand second sides, each side for giving support to the sides of a skiersfoot, and said first and second sides integrally joined by a backportion configured to enclose a portion of the back of a skiers ankle;(b) a riser portion of trough-shape; and (c) attachment means foradjustably securing said riser portion to said body portion; wherebysaid riser portion is adjustable relative to said body portion, to causesaid boot insert to tilt forward when installed in said boot, causing askier's ankle to be held in a forward leaning position, and said riserportion is adjustable to cause said boot insert to be positioned tosupport a skier's ankle in a vertical position.
 39. A binding assemblyas recited in claim 38 further comprising: a plate means rigidly securedto the inside of said boot against said sole for the purpose of givingrigidity to the sole, and working in combination with said boot insert,for the purpose of transferring pressure to a toe end of said boot whena skier leans forward, and to a heel end of said boot when a skier leansbackward.
 40. A binding assembly as recited in claim 39 furthercomprising: interconnection means for securing said plate to said balemeans with said sole secured therebetween.
 41. A binding assembly asrecited in claim 37 wherein said boot insert means has first and secondsides joined by a bottom and back portion and having an opening forinserting said skier's foot therein.
 42. A binding assembly as recitedin claim 41 further comprising: (a) a plate means positioned on theinside and on said bottom of said boot insert; and (b) interconnectingmeans for securing said plate means to said bale means with said insertbottom and said sole secured therebetween.
 43. A binding assembly forbinding a boot with a sole to a snow board, said assembly comprising:(a) a bale means including (i) first bale means for attachment to thesole of a boot and extending laterally from a first side thereof; (ii)second bale means for attachment to the sole of said boot and extendinglaterally from a second side thereof opposite said first side; (b)binding means for engagement of said bale means including (i) base meansfor attachment to said snow board; (ii) hook shaped means attached toone side of said base means and directed outwardly from said base meansfor captivating engagement of said first bale means; (iii) camming meansattached to an opposite side of said base means and spaced apredetermined distance away from said hook shaped means, having anoutwardly facing camming surface and a bale-receiving notch, saidcamming surface operative to guide said second bale means to said notch,and said camming surface configured to cause said first bale means to bedrawn into engagement with said hook shaped means; and (iv) latch meansfor releasably securing said second bale means in said bale receivingnotch.
 44. A binding assembly as recited in claim 43 wherein (a) saidfirst bale means includes a first end segment of circular cross sectionpositioned outboard from and substantially parallel to said first sideof said boot and forming a loop shaped structure with said boot; and (b)said second bale means includes a second end segment of circular crosssection positioned outboard from and substantially parallel to saidsecond side of said boot and forming a loop shaped structure with saidboot.
 45. A binding assembly as recited in claim 44 wherein said balemeans further includes a four-sided frame having said first and secondend segments interconnected by first and second side segments, and saidbale means including a plate supporting a central portion thereof forfacilitating attachment to said boot, portions of said frame outsidesaid plate forming said loop shaped structures.
 46. A binding assemblyas recited in claim 43 wherein said first and second bale means areformed as an integral unit with means for attachment to said sole ofsaid boot.
 47. A binding assembly as recited in claim 43 wherein saidlatch means includes (a) a latch element pivotally mounted to rotateabout a pivot axis between a latching position for securing said secondbales means and an unlatching position for releasing said second balemeans, and having (i) bale engagement means extending away from saidpivot axis and having a cam shaped bale-engaging surface including anupper first portion having a maximum first distance from said pivot axisand a second lower portion having a maximum second distance from saidpivot axis of magnitude greater than said first distance from said pivotaxis, said surface following a predetermined contour; (ii) handle meansextending away from said pivot axis for use in rotating said baleengagement means about said pivot axis and into said unlatching positionmeans; and (b) spring means for biasing said latch element about saidpivot axis and toward said latching position; and (c) pivot supportmeans for pivotally mounting said latch element at said pivot axislocated so that said first portion and said second portion arepositioned relative to said pivot axis such that when said second balemeans is positioned against said narrow bearing surface, said latchelement is rotatable by said spring means into said latching position,said cam shaped bale-engaging surface contacting said second bale meansand retaining said second bale means in said bale receiving notch.
 48. Abinding assembly as recited in claim 47 wherein said cam shapedbale-engaging surface upper first portion includes a trough shapedrecess providing early captivation of said second bale means as saidsecond bale means is approaching said bale receiving notch.
 49. Abinding assembly as recited in claim 47 wherein said bale engagementmeans further includes an upwardly facing trough-shaped surface locatedabove said first portion of said bale-engaging surface for engagementwith said second bale means to cause said second bale means to causesaid latch element to be rotated as said second bale means is loweredtowards said camming surface.
 50. A binding assembly as recited in claim48 wherein said hook shaped means further includes (a) a first hookmember connected to said base means and extending upward and laterallyoutward; and (b) a second hook member attached to said base means andspaced from said first hook member and extending upward and laterallyoutward.
 51. A binding assembly as recited in claim 43 wherein said basemeans includes a base plate having a plurality of holes therein forinserting bolts therethrough for securing said base plate to a snowboard.
 52. A binding assembly as recited in claim 51 wherein said holesare arranged on a circumference of a circle so as to allow said baseplate to be positioned at various angles relative to said snow board.53. A binding assembly as recited in claim 52 wherein said holes arearcuately shaped slots along said circumference of said circle so as toallow a range of continuous adjustment over the length of said slots.54. A binding assembly as recited in claim 43 further comprising:frictional layer means positioned between said base means and said snowboard for resisting rotational movement of said base means relative tosaid snow board.
 55. A binding assembly as recited in claim 43 furthercomprising: boot insert means for placement in said boot and configuredso as to support a riders ankle relative to said sole of said boot. 56.A binding assembly as recited in claim 55 wherein said boot insert meansincludes (a) a body portion having first and second sides, each side forgiving support to the sides of a skiers foot, and said first and secondsides integrally joined by a back portion configured to enclose aportion of the back of a skiers ankle; (b) a riser portion oftrough-shape; and (c) attachment means for adjustably securing, saidriser portion to said body portion; whereby said riser portion isadjustable relative to said body portion, to cause said boot insert totilt forward when installed in said boot, causing a skier's ankle to beheld in a forward leaning position, and said riser portion is adjustableto cause said boot insert to be positioned to support a skier's ankle ina vertical position.
 57. A binding assembly as recited in claim 56further comprising: a plate means rigidly secured to the inside of saidboot against said sole for the purpose of giving rigidity to the sole,and working in combination with said boot insert, for the purpose oftransferring pressure to a toe end of said boot when a skier leansforward, and to a heel end of said boot when a skier leans backward. 58.A binding assembly as recited in claim 56 further comprising:interconnection means for securing said plate to said bale means withsaid sole secured therebetween.
 59. A binding assembly as recited inclaim 55 wherein said boot insert means has first and second sidesjoined by a bottom and back portion and having an opening for insertingsaid skier's foot therein.
 60. A binding assembly as recited in claim 59further comprising: a plate means positioned on the inside and on saidbottom of said boot insert; and interconnecting means for securing saidplate means to said bale means with said insert bottom and said solesecured therebetween.
 61. A binding assembly as recited in claim 24further comprising: sole reinforcement means integrally connected withsaid first and second bale means, said reinforcement means configured soas to render said sole substantially rigid.
 62. A binding assembly asrecited in claim 24 wherein said latch means includes: support meansextending upward from said base means and oppositely disposed on saidbase means from said hook shaped means; wheel means rotatably mounted tosaid support means and having an outer diameter with a recess formedtherein for receiving said second bale means, and having a plurality ofprong receiving notches formed in from said outer diameter; handle meanshaving first and second ends and pivotably mounted to said support meansbetween said first and second ends, and having a prong on said firstend, said first end and said prong dimensioned for engaging said prongreceiving notches; spring means for urging said handle means to forcesaid prong into one of said notches; and wherein said wheel is rotatableto place said recess in an upward position for receiving said secondbale means, and as said second bale means within said recess is thrustdownward, said wheel is rotated and said recess moves downward thrustingsaid second bale means downward and laterally toward said hook shapedmember, causing said first bale means to move into said hook shapedmember, said prong engaged in said prong receiving notches restrainingsaid wheel means and thereby said bale means, and when said handle meansis rotated to remove said prong from one of said notches, an upwardthrust on said bale means will rotate said wheel so as to move saidrecess upward for removal of said bale means.